Brook Brown (Bonnema), LPCS
Welcome! I want to share my background, experience, and thoughts on what I can provide through our work together. I graduated from The University of Texas in 2004 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences. From there I went on to get my Master's in Counseling Psychology from The University of Minnesota in 2007. I started working with forensic populations from 2008 to present. I am currently the Behavioral Health Manager for the larger Travis County jail facility. You may be wondering what someone with my experience in working with forensic and underserved populations could provide an intern who may want to do private practice, telehealth for groups or even youth, can offer? Well, in short, I have seen and worked with almost every diagnostic label the DSM has documented. I have written detailed behavior plans for some of the most difficult to manage patients, worked with post partum anxiety/depression, general anxiety, major depression, serious and persistent mental illness, dementia, autism, and many many crisis situations including daily assessments of those who are suicidal. I have done individual therapy as well as groups. Additionally, my undergraduate work was focused entirely on children.
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In 2022, I opened my own private practice Well Heard Mental Health. I see about ten clients per week with variousbackgrounds and presenting issues. My primary modalities are CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I have learned so much about owning a business and all of the practical sides of private practice that we do not often get taught in Graduate School. I am paneled with all major insurances and open to my LPC Associates billing under my practice for Cigna and Aetna clients.
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My mind thrives in science and research. I am direct, but kind, and I am solution focused. I use Rogerian techniques to build rapport quickly (a necessity with my current role), but shift towards behaviorism and CBT early on to confront debilitating thought patterns and behaviors that cause emotional pain. I welcome diversity of thought, experience, and good debates that foster growth. I am a strong ally in the LBGTQ community and despite the blonde hair blue eyed appearance, I am very aware of my privilege in this world and have dedicated my life and career to serving those who are marginalized and often forgotten. I have extensive management experience of fellow therapists and I feel this will benefit me in helping you on your journey to become an LPC.
Feel free to message me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Style
Each supervisee has differing needs during their internship/journey to obtain full licensure. In the beginning, there will be many teaching moments where I am happy to provide a lot of guidance, education, and research in order for you to gain confidence in your skills and move to the next stage of supervision. Next, most supervisees naturally move towards more autonomy where I will become more of a counselor who will challenge your thinking in a therapeutic manner. I may ask you some hard questions for reflection, bias, and cultural competency. From there, I become a consultant. I have no doubt that towards the end of our supervision relationship, you will move towards becoming more and more autonomous. I, and your peers, will be there for you to provide consultation on cases as you become more and more comfortable with what you have learned and treatment modalities practiced.
Method
I offer individual and group supervision and available by phone when you may be dealing with an ethical dilemma or crisis. While I understand that recording sessions is anxiety producing and not always feasible, I challenge my supervisees to try this out at least once during their supervision. In order to fully immerse yourself into this process, it is helpful to have first hand experience with the session. In order to determine progress, interventions, problem areas, we will also use observation, role play, practice using inventories, and reflection exercises. Recording a session is not required if unable to attain at your place of employment. When I provide supervision to those who are in a separate location from my current employment, we will work together to resolve any problems internally and, as a last resort, involve your current supervisor. I want our relationship to focus on client care and your development in this profession.
